A proxy marriage is a marriage like any other. All legal rights, benefits, and titles that accompany any marriage are part of a dual proxy marriage. For members of the military, however, there are benefits of marriage that go beyond what non-military personnel can expect. Remember, these benefits are not exclusive to a proxy marriage, they exist for any marriage. And because a proxy marriage is a marriage like any other, you too are entitled to these benefits.
VA Home Loans: Spouses of enlisted military personnel are eligible for VA home loans. Once you’ve built your family, you can start thinking about buying a home. Having the backing of the US Armed Forces when it comes to funding is always a plus.
Free Legal Assistance: The Lawyers General Corps (or JAG). Made famous by a prime time television series, the JAG Corps. provide a valuable service to military personnel and their spouses.
Survivor Benefits: If your spouse is a member of the military and dies, you, as a non-enlisted spouse, can stay in government housing for one year. You also have the option of moving to a private residence in which case you will receive one year of Basic Housing Allowance.
Gratuity for Death (Life Insurance): Up to $1,000 in coverage.
Compensation for Dependency and Indemnity: Military spouses are eligible for a flat-rate monthly payment that is intended to compensate them for cost-of-living increases that result from deployment to an area with a higher cost of living.
Scholarships, loans and educational grants: With the cost of college rising each year, these programs can provide tremendous financial support to military families with children, or even those attending school.
Montgomery GI Bill Test Schedule: An enlisted member of the armed forces may transfer half of their entitlement to tuition assistance to their spouse.
Wedding Enrichment Retreats: Even in the best of times, marriage can be stressful and difficult. For military personnel and their spouses, there are luxury resorts (operated by the military) for the benefit of military families. These offer affordable vacations to popular destinations for military members and their proxy spouses.
Free military air travel: In situations where space is available on military flights, spouses and children of enlisted personnel may travel free or at reduced prices.
The exchange: This is a duty-free grocery store that typically sells items at discounts of up to 30% or more.
Military discounts: Companies around the world offer discounts for members of the military and their families.
But really, the greatest benefit of all is being married to your lover. While these perks can be nice, they will never trump being married to the right person. So if you’re considering a proxy marriage, make sure you’re getting married for the right reasons.
